UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State alumna who oversees all advertising sales and market strategy for NBCUniversal will return to the University Park campus and provide the commencement address for the College of Communications at noon Saturday, May 10, in the Bryce Jordan Center.

Linda Yaccarino, who earned her bachelor’s degree in telecommunications in 1985, serves as president of advertising sales for NBCUniversal. In that role, she oversees all advertising sales and market strategy for the company’s broadcast, cable and digital properties.

She previously served as president of cable entertainment and digital advertising sales for NBCUniversal, where she was responsible for USA Network, Bravo Media, E! Entertainment, NBC.com and AccessHollywood.com, among others.

Before moving to NBCUniversal, Yaccarino was the executive vice president and COO of Turner Entertainment, handling advertising, sales, marketing and acquisitions. She was in charge of all advertising sales, marketing and program acquisitions for the company’s television networks -- TNT, TBS and truTV -- as well as overseeing acquisitions for sister networks TCM and Cartoon Network.

Among her many industry honors, Yaccarino was recognized in 2011 by AdWeek as one of the “Ten Most Powerful Women in TV,” and by Business Week as a “CEO of Tomorrow.” Her community and professional affiliations include active involvement with Women in Cable & Telecommunications and Penn State. Yaccarino’s support helped Success in the City -- the annual communications-specific job fair conducted by the College of Communications -- find a home in New York City. She also supports the communications program as a donor and volunteer.